First look: Opus Building Services completes student complex on former site of Tyne Tees TV

Another newly-built student accommodation development is open in Newcastle, having been completed by Opus Building Services

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Inside the new U-Student building finished by Opus Building Services

A leading North East building company has completed work on a new student accommodation development worth £1.5m, on the site of the former Tyne Tees TV studio.

Opus Building Services, Boldon-based specialist electrical and mechanical contractors worked alongside Cumbrian firm Northern Developments to complete the U-Student complex in Newcastle, close to both city universities.

The prestigious nine-storey development, which will be split into three blocks, includes 386 bedrooms with en-suites and communal living areas as well as offices, retail, bar and cafe and a laundrette.

And photos inside the building show the developers have paid a faithful homage to the Howard Street site’s heritage, including collages features photos of the musical stars who starred on one of TTTV’s most popular shows, The Tube, including its hosts Paula Yates and Jools Holland.

The accommodation, which starts at £112 a week to rent, is the third U-Student development to be launched and opened earlier this month, with other buildings now taking in young tenants in Carlisle and Sunderland.

Gavin Richardson, managing director of Opus Building Services, said: “We began work on the U-Student accommodation in July 2013 and in just over a year, with the help of Northern Developments, have created a thriving student village in close proximity to the city centre as well as university campuses.

“As a growing North East company it’s been great to work on such an important local project, which will have huge impact on students in the area.”

Eddie Ward, quantity surveyor for Northern Developments, said: “Opus Building Services were awarded the contract to provide the complete range of mechanical and electrical engineering services installations on the development.

“Working closely together, we’ve developed a strong partnership which has been integral to the success of the development and we thrilled with the end product – a high quality, modern, vibrant and secure accommodation for students studying in Newcastle.”

Opus Building Services provide specialist electrical, heating and plumbing services across a range of sectors including commercial and retail, healthcare, education, sports and leisure as well as industrial and manufacturing.

The company recently relocated its headquarters to Boldon due to expansion and, having turned over £8m in its latest financial year, is currently targeting revenue of £12m.

The new build becomes the latest of its kind in Newcastle, which has seen a recent boom in purpose-built buildings created for Newcastle and Northumbria University students, with more on the way.

Property firm Adderstone Group recently outlined plans for a £17m student accommodation development – the firm’s second in Newcastle city centre, after Ouseburn’s Union Square – to be based on Stepney Road.

Meanwhile, Unite Students, which already has three properties in Newcastle providing a home for around 1,000 students, is also due to start work on a Newcastle city centre site which could accommodate up to 600 learners.